Teamsters' Hoffa Must Decide
If U.S. Car Haulers Will Strike

WASHINGTON -- It's gut-check time for James P. Hoffa, the Teamsters president who stormed to power 75 days ago vowing to restore the union's clout by negotiating tough new contracts.

In short order, Mr. Hoffa must decide whether his union will call a strike against the 17 companies that haul 95% of the over-the-road shipments of new cars. His decision may signal how he will handle future negotiations.